Berean Christian Stores anticipates adding new stores this fall as part of the chain's three-tiered growth plan.

"We'd like to add one to two stores this fall, but we are being very intentional in reviewing possible sites and/or acquisitions," Bill Nielsen, chief operating officer of Berean, told Christian Retailing. "We are willing to wait for the right opportunity.

"We have reviewed six acquisitions over the past several months, but none appeared to be a good fit for Berean," he added. "In regard to new stores, we are in the process of ranking each market in the U.S. to help us determine where we want to be. ... While we have a vision to add 18 stores, we do not want to run ahead of the doors that God opens for us."

Based in Cincinnati, the 17-outlet chain is nearing the completion of its chain-wide operating systems upgrade for improved business performance and store growth.

"We are very pleased with recent comp store performance, which we anticipate to continue or grow as all stores go-live on our new system by June 1," Nielsen said. "Our growth plans include a heavy emphasis on same-store sales growth, a new more robust e-commerce strategy and the addition of new or newly acquired stores."

Berean—which dates back to 1934—joined Covenant Group last June, increasing the country's second-largest independent Christian chain's membership by approximately 50%.

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